John Hanning Speke Quotes
John Hanning Speke
John Hanning Speke (1827-1864) was a British explorer and army officer who is best known for his exploration of East Africa and his discovery of the source of the Nile. He was the first European to visit the Great Lakes of Africa and to trace the course of the Nile to its source. He wrote several bo…Read More
John Hanning Speke (1827-1864) was a British explorer and army officer who is best known for his exploration of East Africa and his discovery of the source of the Nile. He was the first European to visit the Great Lakes of Africa and to trace the course of the Nile to its source. He wrote several books about his travels, including Journal of the Discovery of the Source of the Nile (1863) and What Led to the Discovery of the Source of the Nile (1864). He also wrote a book on falconry, A Book on Falconry (1864). Speke’s explorations and discoveries helped to open up East Africa to European colonization.Read Less
John Hanning Speke (1827-1864) was a British explorer and army officer who is best known for his exploration of East Africa and his discovery of the source of the Nile. He was the first European to visit the Great Lakes of Africa and to trace the course of the Nile to its source. He wrote several books about his travels, including Journal of the Discovery of the Source of the Nile (1863) and What Led to the Discovery of the Source of the Nile (1864). He also wrote a book on falconry, A Book on Falconry (1864). Speke’s explorations and discoveries helped to open up East Africa to European colonization.
John Hanning Speke Career Highlights
- In 1844, Speke joined the British Indian Army and served in the Punjab region of India.
- In 1854, he was selected to join an expedition to East Africa led by Richard Francis Burton.
- In 1856, Speke and Burton embarked on their first expedition to East Africa, where they discovered Lake Tanganyika.
- In 1858, Speke and Burton set out on a second expedition, during which Speke became the first European to see Lake Victoria, the source of the Nile River.
- In 1860, Speke published his book “Journal of the Discovery of the Source of the Nile,” which detailed his expeditions and findings.
- In 1862, Speke was appointed as a captain in the British Indian Army and was awarded the Royal Geographical Society’s Founder’s Gold Medal for his contributions to African exploration.
- In 1863, Speke embarked on a third expedition to Africa, during which he confirmed that Lake Victoria was indeed the source of the Nile River.
- In 1864, Speke died in a hunting accident, just a few days before he was scheduled to present his findings to the Royal Geographical Society.
Key Contributions by John Hanning Speke
- Speke’s expeditions to East Africa and his discovery of Lake Victoria as the source of the Nile River were significant contributions to the field of African exploration.
- His book “Journal of the Discovery of the Source of the Nile” provided detailed and accurate accounts of his expeditions, which helped to further the understanding of African geography and culture.
- Speke’s confirmation of Lake Victoria as the source of the Nile River also helped to settle a long-standing debate among explorers and geographers.
What Sets John Hanning Speke Apart
- Speke’s determination and perseverance in the face of challenges and dangers during his expeditions set him apart from other explorers of his time.
- He was also known for his keen observational skills and his ability to adapt to new environments and cultures.
- Speke’s contributions to African exploration and his discoveries have had a lasting impact on the understanding of the continent and its people.
Takeaways
- John Hanning Speke’s career highlights and key contributions have solidified his place in history as one of the most influential explorers of Africa.
- His expeditions and discoveries have greatly expanded the knowledge of African geography and culture.
- Speke’s determination, observational skills, and adaptability serve as valuable lessons for future explorers and adventurers.
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